Masterworks of John Brack Re-United at National Gallery of Victoria

Written by Janie Hundley Sunday, 25 September 2011 20:46

Melbourne, Vic. - For the first time in two decades John Brack’s iconic Melbourne paintings, The bar and Collins St., 5p.m., will hang together at the National Gallery of Victoria ( NGV ). The works were unveiled by Dr Gerard Vaughan, Director, NGV. The bar is on loan to the NGV for nine months while its owner, David Walsh, builds the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Tasmania where it will be on permanent display.

Born in Melbourne, John Brack (1920-1999) is considered one of Australia’s greatest twentieth century painters. Brack painted images which explored social rituals and the realities of everyday life. His works of urban and suburban Melbourne painted during the 1950s drew attention for their novelty of subject and recognisable references.

The bar was painted in 1954 and was Brack’s largest oil painting to date. Considered radical for its time, The bar presents a stark view of Melbourne suburbia, the infamous ‘six o’clock swill’ as patrons hurry to drink before early closing time. It is also an ironic take on Edouard Manet's important 1881 work, A Bar at the Folies-Bergere.

Collins St., 5p.m. was completed a year later in 1955 and purchased by the NGV in 1956. Like The bar, Collins St., 5p.m. exemplifies the style for which the Melbourne-based artist is renowned. Dr Gerard Vaughan, Director, NGV said it was a major coup to have both paintings hanging together at the NGV.

About the NGV

Since 1861, the National Gallery of Victoria has been displaying art works for the enjoyment of the community. In the mid-1990s, the gallery acknowledged that its St Kilda Road building could no longer successfully meet the demands of its growing collection and extensive exhibitions schedule.

The Collection is now split between The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square, home of Australian art, and NGV International at St Kilda Road, the new redeveloped building dedicated to the gallery's magnificent international artworks. Our visitors now have two wonderful NGV buildings dedicated to bringing art and people together. Visit : www.ngv.vic.gov.au/